23 Aesthetically Pleasing Museums Where the Architecture is as Stunning as the Art

20. Shanghai Museum, China: Ancient Form, Modern Presence

Shaped like an ancient bronze ding (a ceremonial vessel), the Shanghai Museum blends tradition and modernity in seamless harmony. Its symmetrical layout and muted earth tones reflect Chinese philosophies of balance and nature. From calligraphy to jade carvings, the museum’s exhibits feel deeply rooted in their environment. The architecture reinforces that grounding—the circular roof symbolizing the heavens, the square base representing the earth. In a rapidly modernizing city, the Shanghai Museum feels like a graceful pause.